Outdoor Education Meta-analyses

Contents

Overview

Meta analysis offers a powerful
way of helping to answer the broad question: "In what ways,
and to what extent, does the experience of an outdoor education program
effect participants?". Meta-analytic studies can also help with regard to specific questions
such as about the role of gender, program length, etc. on program outcomes.

Across the available meta-analyses of outdoor education and related
programs, the overall effect sizes are small-moderate (approximately .3 to
.4). This generally supports claims that outdoor education can be an effective
personal and social development training method. However, there is a wide diversity of outcomes and
therefore caution should be exercised in generalising from meta-analytic results to
any specific program.

A meta-analysis of 44 studies (390 effects) of ropes challenge
course-type program published between 1986 and 2006 outcomes (average
length of program = 15 hours). Overall, these studies had a medium ES
(0.43). Notably Gillis and Speelman only included studies with control
groups, thus the estimated effects were relative to controls. Higher
effects were found for adult groups and for studies measuring family
functioning and group dynamics. Studies with a developmental or
therapeutic foci had higher ESs than those with an educational focus.

Hans, T. (2000). A meta-analysis of the effects of
adventure programming on locus of control. Journal of Contemporary
Psychotherapy, 30(1),33-60.
Penultimate draft (.2MB).

A small meta-analysis of about
10 studies, focusing on the effects of adventure therapy type programs
on locus of control, based on Masters thesis. Overall effect size = .38

A small meta-analysis (22 studies), focusing on wilderness programs
for youth at risk. Findings indicate a small overall effect size (.18), with all
studies reporting positive results. Physical program intensity and
therapeutic enhancements positively predicted outcomes. The
authors are well known for their expertise in meta-analysis.
Overall effect size = .18.